PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
There were two other major power outages unrelated to the PSPS. For more information, visit the City’s power outage update webpage.
Due to favorable weather conditions, PG&E will no longer need to turn power off as expected in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo.
PG&E Website: www.pge.com/psps
PG&E Hotline: 1-800-743-5000
PG&E Facebook: @PacificGasandElectricCompany
PG&E Twitter: @PGE4ME
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff Update – October 28, 2019 @ 12 pm:
PG&E crew continue to inspect the power lines. Crews visually inspect every mile of the lines to look for potential weather-related damage to the lines, poles and towers. This is done by vehicle, foot and air. PG&E expect there to be substantial damage to the lines; however, crews are working to isolate those hazards so that other parts of the system can be restored. PG&E stated that crews are working safely and as quickly as possible to make repairs.
Once it is safe to energize, a call will be made to the PG&E Control Center to complete the energization process. Power will then be restored to customers. There is no estimated time for restoration. At this point, PG&E has indicated that they are currently restoring power at an approximately 5,000 customers per hour rate.
As of noon, today, PG&E has not completed the process of creating the de-energization plan for the additional PSPS event anticipated for October 29. PG&E continues to monitor the weather and, at this time, are now expected that this PSPS will occur later than originally reported, around 7 am, or later on Tuesday morning (as opposed to 4 am). They indicated that they are taking the time to review and reassess transmission lines in an attempt to significantly reduce the overall impacted footprint. PG&E expects to be able to share the plan, including maps and customer impact, later this afternoon. Last night, PG&E sent general notifications to the entire customer base affected with the current PSPS advising them of the additional potential PSPS; however, again, PG&E hopes and anticipates to significantly reduce the number of those affected.
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff Update – October 28, 2019 @ 10 am:
At 8 am this morning, PG&E issued the “all clear” for Santa Clara County, meaning that they have determined that the extreme weather has passed. PG&E crews will now begin to patrol and inspect, looking for potential weather-related damage to the lines, poles, and towers. If needed, crews will isolate and repair damage. Once it is safe to re-energize, power will then be restored to customers, which may take up to 48 hours. The Sports Center will serve as a Community Resource Center and will be open today until 9 pm.
PG&E is anticipating an additional PSPS due to another severe weather incident that is expected to begin on Tuesday, October 29 at approximately 4 am that is expected to last until Wednesday, October 20 at 12 pm, noon. They expect 8,000 customers to be impacted within Santa Clara County, with the exact impact to Milpitas to be known later today.
Please do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage so that 9-1-1 lines and dispatchers are available for those that need emergency service.
PG&E Websites: www.pge.com/psps
PG&E Hotline: 1-800-743-5000
PG&E Facebook: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E Twitter: @PGE4ME
Important Information – October 27, 2019
PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF (PSPS) ALERT – 10/27/19 @ 9:00 pm: The Milpitas Sports Center will be open tomorrow, Monday, October 28 from 7:00 am – 9 pm as a Community Resource Center. Restrooms, water and charging stations for medical and personal devices will be available. PG&E anticipates that weather conditions will improve in the morning and the inspection and power restoration process will begin. PG&E is monitoring another wind incident that may cause another PSPS on Wednesday, October 29-30. More information is expected from PG&E on Monday, October 28 on which areas may be affected.
PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF (PSPS) ALERT – 10/27/19 @ 12:00 am: PG&E has confirmed that power has been shutoff for affected customers within Santa Clara County. A general outage map was produced by Santa Clara County and the PG&E website has more detailed information. To look up a specific address, visit PG&E’s website at https://psps.ss.pge.com
At this time, PG&E expects that the weather conditions will improve by the morning of Monday, October 28. It could then take approximately 48 hours for re-energization of the system.
During a power shutoff, PG&E encourages residents to take these steps:
1. Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment, and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
2. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then turn your appliances on one at a time.
3. Typically, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours–if the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed. Consider using coolers with ice to keep food cold and safe.
4. Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
5. Check on your neighbors.
Resources that Are Available to You During the Power Shutoff: For dangerous situations that threaten life or safety, call 9-1-1. To access social services such as food, shelter, counseling (and more), call 2-1-1.
Important Information – October 26, 2019
PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF (PSPS) ALERT – 10/26/19 @ 10:00 am: PG&E continues to monitor a potentially powerful and widespread dry, hot and windy weather event expected to begin impacting the service area this evening and lasting until midday Monday (10/28). Based on weather conditions, affected customers may have their power turned off earlier than reported yesterday, at approximately 5 pm tonight.
To see if the PSPS will affect you, visit PG&E’s website at https://psps.ss.pge.com
Visit PG&E’s Safety Action Center for information to make sure making sure that you, your family, your neighborhood and even your pets are prepared before a wildfire or another emergency: www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com/
PG&E Websites: www.pge.com/psps
PG&E Hotline: 1-800-743-5000
PG&E Facebook: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PG&E Twitter: @PGE4ME
Important Information – October 25, 2019
Due to the National Weather Service forecast of significant high winds over the weekend, PG&E plans to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) throughout Northern California, including Santa Clara County. PG&E estimates that the PSPS will commence Saturday, October 26 at approximately 6 pm (because the incident is weather-dependent, the time is subject to change). PG&E will notify customers via text, phone or email.
The best way to see if the power shutdown will affect you, is by checking your address on the PG&E potential PSPS address-lookup map at https://bit.ly/PGEaddress-lookup.
PG&E projects that approximately 154 customers will be without power, specifically in the homes on the east side of Old Piedmont Road (as far south as Yosemite) and up Calaveras Road into the areas to include Vista Ridge, Felter Road, Downing Road, and other residential streets along Calaveras Road (hillside). Affected customers should be prepared to be without power for up to five days. For tips on how to prepare for the power outage, visit www.pge.com/psps.
To prepare for possible Public Safety Power Shutoff:
- Confirm or update your contact information with PG&E at https://bit.ly/2accountPGE
- Backup electric power can be a part of any preparedness plan. Find out what you need to know about using backup power at https://bit.ly/backuppowerPGE.
- Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets. A Public Safety Power Shutoff can happen at any time of day or night, due to changing weather conditions.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit – see checklist at https://bit.ly/em-supplies-PSPS
- Include enough water and nonperishable food to last your household one week. Be sure to refresh your kit once a year.
- Determine if your landline will work during an outage. Keep a mobile phone as backup.
- Keep mobile phones and other devices charged.
- Have flashlights available for your household. Avoid using candles.
- Have a battery-powered or crank radio.
- Stock up on the right batteries for items you rely on. Include two extra sets in various sizes.
- Keep cash on hand and a full tank of gas. ATMs and gas stations may not be available during an outage.
- Learn how to manually open your garage or any other door that operates with electricity.
- Talk with your building manager if you live or work in a building that has elevators or electronic key card access to understand how they will deal with a possible multi-day outage.
- PG&E customers can also call the customer service line at 1-800-743-5000 and check PG&E’s social media accounts for more information on how to prepare before and during a power outage:
- Facebook @ pacificgasandelectric
- Twitter @PGE4Me
What to do during a power outage:
- Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
- Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then, turn your appliances on, one at a time.
- Typically, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours–if the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed. Consider using coolers with ice to keep food cold and safe.
- Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
- For emergencies that threaten life and safety, call 911.
- Check on your neighbors.
For more information on what to do during and after a Public Safety Power Shutoff, visit: https://bit.ly/PSPSprepare.
Shutting off power for safety
PG&E is taking a proactive response to avoid another fire season like we have seen in recent years past. In the event that certain fire conditions exist, such as dry vegetation, wind gusts/storms, field observations, low humidity, or threat to PG&E electrical infrastructure, it may be necessary that PG&E turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS.
Most importantly, it is necessary that you prepare for power outage conditions for up to a week, as PG&E has indicated the PSPS will stay in effect as long as those certain fire conditions exist, lines have been inspected, and any emergency repairs that need to be made are complete. According to PG&E, it needs to turn off a power grid for safety, so all customers who receive power on that grid will be affected, including Medical Baseline program customers.
PG&E is encouraging all customers to prepare an emergency plan and update their alert contact information by visiting www.pge.com/wildfirealerts. More information is available at www.pge.com/wildfiresafety. Residents are also encouraged to register with AlertSCC.org to receive local emergency alerts from the City of Milpitas Dispatch Center.
Impact to City Services due to PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff
First and foremost, residents can expect essential services such as Police, Fire and Public Works to continue operating with as little disruption as possible.
Here is what else you can expect:
- Traffic lights and street lights may not be working. If a traffic light is out, you are required to come to a full, complete stop at intersections;
- Most schools and businesses will be closed;
- Due to increased call volume, emergency services may have longer response times;
- Water and sewer services will be functional but at a reduced level. Residents will be asked to refrain from non-essential water use;
- Extended outages may affect cell phone coverages;
- Shelter services will be made available to residents with critical medical or health issues; and
- All city recreation classes and activities will be cancelled and all non-essential city facilities (City Hall, Senior Center, Community Center, Sports Center and satellite recreation centers) will be closed. All appointments at such facilities, including inspections and passport services, will be rescheduled.
Shelter Location
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 586-3225
Hours of Operation will be determined based on circumstances
Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
PG&E is reminding customers to stock up on enough supplies to last a week and refresh them once a year. PG&E is warning that power outages could last 2-5 days, however outages are subject to the duration of the extreme fire conditions. Put your supplies in a waterproof container and store your kit in a place that is easy to reach. Here are a few tips and preparedness checklist from PG&E to help you get started:
- Prepare For Power Shutoff
- Power Outage Preparedness Checklist
- Download PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff Fact Sheet
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Stay Informed
PG&E has indicated that they will make every effort to notify customers of a power shutoff before it occurs. If PG&E needs to turn off power for safety due to forecasted extreme fire danger conditions, customers can expect:
Early Warning Notification
PG&E’s goal, depending on weather, is to send outage alerts to customers at 48 hours, 24 hours and just prior to shutting off power. PG&E will send notification through automated calls, texts and emails. For Medical Baseline program customers that PG&E is not able to reach, they will knock on doors when possible, with a primary focus on those customers who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment.
Ongoing Updates
Regular updates about a possible PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff event will be provided by PG&E through their social media, local news, radio and at pge.com. You can follow PG&E on Twitter (@PGE4ME), Facebook (@pacificgasandelectric) and Instagram.
In addition to the PG&E notification channels, the City of Milpitas will share all alerts and updates through AlertSCC.org and on the City’s Twitter (@MilpitasCity) and Facebook accounts (@CityofMilpitas), as well as on the City’s website www.milpitas.gov
Safety Inspections
After the extreme weather has passed and it is safe to do so, PG&E crews will work to inspect the lines and safely restore power.
Power Restoration
PG&E expects to be able to visually inspect the system for damage and restore power to most customers within 24 to 48 hours after extreme fire weather conditions have passed. Because extreme weather can last several hours or days, for planning purposes, PG&E is suggesting customers prepare for outages that could last 2-5 days.